Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, March 16, 2025
Cider & Cheese Pairing at Barn Door Ciderworks
Mar 16 @ 3:00 pm
Barn Door Ciderworks

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring! It’s time for cider and cheese so Barn Door is partnering with the WNC Cheese Trail for our first pairing of the year. Join us for a relaxing afternoon at the cidery where we’ll sip cider and nibble on local cheese from cheesemaker members of the WNC Cheese Trail. Katie and Dan, Barn Door Ciderworks co-owners, experienced with both cider and cheese making, will walk their guests through four cider and cheese pairings. Your hosts will explain tasting techniques, how the cider and cheese are made, and why they pair well. Cider and cheese will be available for purchase. Guests must be over 21 to participate. The tasting will begin promptly at 3 pm.
Please note: Ticket price includes taxes and fees.

Thursday, March 27, 2025
Slice Standup Comedy Contest
Mar 27 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Bunny Hopper Express
Mar 29 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!

Sunday, March 30, 2025
Bunny Hopper Express
Mar 30 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!

Thursday, April 3, 2025
1-Year Anniversary Party Soprana Rooftop Cucina
Apr 3 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Soprana Rooftop Cucina

Join us as we raise a glass to one incredible year at Soprana Rooftop Cucina! 🍹✨ We’re celebrating our first trip around the sun with a sunset toast, featuring Aperol Spritz and a night full of fun.

What to Expect:
🍹 Food & Drink Specials
🍊 Aperol Spritz Towers – because one Spritz is never enough!
🎶 Live DJ Set until 9 PM with Hotbread Selectors
🎟️ Raffle Prizes & More Surprises!

Plus, we’re giving back! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Asheville Poverty Initiative ❤️

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of great drinks, stunning views, and good company. This event is free to the public. RSVP to let us know you’re coming.

Friday, April 11, 2025
The Dark City Speaks
Apr 11 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Held at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts | Purchase tickets online or at BMCA

April 11 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and a portion of sales will be donated to the Friends of the Black Mountain Library!

Collaboration with Black Mountain Library, Friends of the Library, Dark City Poets Society

This big night of poetry features three published poets, Glenis Redmond, Lee Stockdale, and Ugandan poet Mildred Barya joined by poets from the Dark City Poets Society. The evening culminates with a Q&A with our featured poets.

Buy tickets online HERE (Here’s the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dark-city-speaks-tickets-1254687958459?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Precious Rubbish at Malaprop’s Books
Apr 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Books

Join us in-person at Malaprop’s or live online when NC-based author Kayla E. presents her debut graphic memoir, Precious Rubbish, in conversation with local author Tessa Fontaine.

A landmark graphic novel debut and groundbreaking work of trauma recollection told in the style of post-war children’s comics. “If an exorcism can ever be slow and quiet, then every panel I’ve finished has felt something like an exorcism. The gutters give me space to make sense of things: to connect dots and close gaps. To remember.” Kayla E.’s Precious Rubbish is an experimental graphic memoir drawn in a style that references the aesthetics of mid-century children’s comics and tells the story of a childhood shaped by maternal emotional dysregulation, rural poverty, and incest. The author’s childhood is portrayed as a collection of short-form comics and gag panels punctuated by interactive elements like paper dolls, satirical advertisements, games, and puzzles.

Standup Comedy Picture Show with Cayla Clark
Apr 16 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

Standup Comedy Picture Show with headliner Cayla Clark
Comics on the show do standup with pictures to illustrate their sets!
Wednesday April 16, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Headliner Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, creator, and producer. While she is still new to the world of stand-up comedy, she has enjoyed exploring various other forms of comedy over the years, including sketch comedy, improv, and more. Since moving to Asheville, Cayla has had the opportunity to produce and host local comedic dating shows like Blind Date Live and Bad Date Mic. You can check out her hilarious Asheville centric comedy videos on instagram at @blinddateliveavl
Also on the show is Ryan Gordon, Roman Fraden, Sarah Love & other great comics showing it all!
tix: https://theorangepeel.net/…/pulp/asheville-north-carolina/

Thursday, April 17, 2025
DJ Sessions at The Radical
Apr 17 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Radical

The Radical invites guests to The Roof, Thursday through Sunday (7-9pm) for live DJ sets, craft cocktails, nostalgic bites (see menu here) and unbeatable views as the sun sets over Asheville. Whether guests are celebrating a bday or just catching a breather, there’s no better place to unwind and groove. Guests can also enjoy a live DJ late night at after/glow on Fridays and Saturdays from 8-10pm.

THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “BLOOM”
Apr 17 @ 7:30 pm
Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “BLOOM”

All Ages

Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm

Grey Eagle Music Hall

The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…

BLOOM:  Prepare a five-minute story about growth. Rising from the concrete or blossoming late in life tell us about the journey to reach your full potential. From peaking early to flourishing after years of careful nurturing, bring us stories of new beginnings, perseverance, and those moments when everything finally came to fruition. April showers bring May flowers, but the path to blooming is rarely straightforward.

 

Doors Open: 6:30 PM

Show Starts: 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 19, 2025
Grand Opening of Triumph OCR Training Center
Apr 19 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
OSEGA Dream Academy

Grand Opening of Asheville’s ONLY professional Obstacle Course Race Training Center! Stop by and try out the new obstacles, enjoy food, fun, games, and giveaways. Great for the whole family!

Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Brunch + Egg Hunt at The Horse Shoe Farm
Apr 20 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Silo Cookhouse at The Horse Shoe Farm

Celebrate with the whole family at The Horse Shoe Farm’s Silo Cookhouse this Easter with a delicious brunch buffet crafted from farm-fresh ingredients. Gather with your loved ones around the table and indulge in delightful Southern favorites, from honey roasted ham to house biscuits with savory jam and butter. Guests can build their own omelets at a bespoke station, select from an assortment of fresh salads, and enjoy tasty desserts like carrot cake cupcakes to get into the easter spirit. Most excitingly for the little ones, guests to the Silo Cookhouse Easter Brunch can participate in a fun-filled easter egg hunt on the property starting at 2pm!
Sunday April 20 from 11am to 3pm, reservations required. $85/adults, $50/kids age 3-12.

Easter Brunch at Kanuga
Apr 20 @ 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Kanuga

Celebrate Easter brunch with the whole family at Kanuga! Enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal favorites, including fresh pastries, savory entrees, and delicious desserts. Gather with loved ones in a warm and welcoming setting as we celebrate this special day together.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Golden Folk Sessions
Apr 23 @ 7:00 pm
Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: Golden Folk Sessions

$12.30 to $30.75

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW
FULLY SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE 
Golden Folk Sessions (formerly Open Folk AVL) offers an intimate, carefully curated listening experience that celebrates the art of original music. Each event showcases six handpicked artists, performing three-song sets in a quiet, seated environment where the music takes center stage. To add a sense of surprise and discovery, the lineup is revealed only when the show begins.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Italian Night at The Farm
Apr 24 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Farm, a gathering place

We’re delighted to join Mike Guggino and Barrett Smith (members of the famed Steep Canyon Rangers) in a celebration of all things Italian. These talented musicians will share their deep love of traditional Italian folk music. We’ll add our own talents for good food and joyous gatherings. It’s the perfect partnership.

Each ticket includes admission to enjoy live Italian music by Mike + Barrett along with a delicious Italian dinner prepared by our Farm Kitchen. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Friday, April 25, 2025
Rustic Italian Crafted with Care – A Cider Pairing Dinner with an Italian Flair
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Barn Door Ciderworks

Barn Door Ciderworks is partnering with Amber Amara, head honcho and chef of Bistro Betty Food Truck, for a delicious dinner event on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6pm at Barn Door Ciderworks. Guests will enjoy cider paired with a delectable four-course meal inspired by rustic Italian traditions. The menu can be adapted to vegetarians upon request.
The evening’s four-course menu begins with happy hour snacks using local cheeses, stuffed olives and focaccia. The first course will be potato & ricotta gnocchi, sun-dried tomato basil gremolata, and seared wild shrimp, followed by a second course of Chicken or eggplant parmigiana, served with Tuscan arugula salad. No rustic meal would be complete without dessert and Amara has orange & cinnamon tiramisu planned.
The pairing ciders will include exclusive Barn Door offerings not yet available to the public. We’ll share tastes from special bottles that we’ll open just for this event. All ciders are barrel-aged to dryness and only use local apples in the production. We never add sugar, sweeteners, other fruits or flavorings.
Visit our website for more information and to get your tickets.

Saturday, April 26, 2025
Drag BingOh!
Apr 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Radical

The wait is over! The Radical is bringing back the favorite game night to after/glow. Hosted by none other than Miss Blue Ridge Pride, Alexis Black, this event promises rad performances, nonstop music and cocktails that keep the party going. No RSVP necessary.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Asheville Symphony Amadeus Festival Kickoff and Beer Release
Apr 30 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Step into summer with the Asheville Symphony as we herald the return of the Asheville Amadeus Festival! We’re launching this year’s festival at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s lively Mills River taproom, where we’re unveiling our festival-exclusive brew — Fables & Folklore Hazy IPA. This enchanting creation weaves together bright pineapple and orange notes in a tropical profile that’s as enticing as a tale passed down through generations — perfect easy drinking for an early- summer festival.

We will be joined by Amadeus Festival co-headliners Time for Three, Ranaan Meyer, Nick Kendall and Charles Yang. Don’t miss this chance to meet the artists and toast the start of 11 glorious days of Amadeus festivities with a pour of our specially crafted beer, delicious fare from Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s kitchen, and live music!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with 1756 Society entry beginning at 5:00 p.m.

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWING
46 N Mills River Road, Mills River

Friday, May 2, 2025
First Friday Mother’s Day Mug Painting
May 2 all-day
Resurrection Studios Collective

Join us for a family-friendly First Friday at Resurrection Studios Collective, featuring Asheville Artworks Mother’s Day mug painting as well as tons of other shapes to choose from. First Friday celebrations include a fashion show by All Around Artsy, live music, a mocktail bar, visit artists in their studios, and new art debuting in the gallery. Mugs and pottery will be available for pickup the following week before Mother’s Day. RSVP recommended, but walk-ins welcome.

Sunday, May 4, 2025
Mother’s Day Spring in Bloom Celebration
May 4 all-day
Tanger Outlets Asheville

This Mother’s Day, Tanger Outlets Asheville invites the women at the heart of its community to come and be celebrated with its Spring in Bloom experiential event, celebrating mothers, women and the vibrant spirit of the season. On Sunday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the event will include make-your-own flower bouquets, photo opportunities, giveaways and more. From exclusive activities and interactive pop-ups to curated shopping experiences, this event embodies Tanger’s commitment to creating meaningful moments that connect people, foster community and celebrate women. The family-friendly event, open to the community and free to attend, will be held in the center circle near the Vera Bradley Outlet Store.

As part of Tanger’s continued programming designed to offer engaging and innovative shopper experiences, Spring in Boom blends the latest in beauty and accessories retail trends with culture and community-driven celebrations. Guests are also invited to shop the latest spring fashions with Tanger Deal Days from May 1 – 21! Participating brands including Columbia, Crocs, J. Crew and Under Armour will offer 15% – 25% off, on top of everyday savings.

Vegan Market Asheville
May 4 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at AB Tech Coman Center

Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have a bunch of local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt

The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.

Hours are 11:00 – 4:00.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!

Polish Fest
May 4 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fireforge Crafted Beer

🍻 Na Zdrowie! Join us May 2-4, 2025 for our 3rd Annual Polish Fest: polka, piwo (beer) and pierogi, need we share more? 😛 Festivities will include live performances from local favorites Wasted Wine and Foothills Oompah Band, as well as Atlanta Polish folk dance group Mazury Folk Dance Ensemble. Remember to keep your pets at home, yet definitely bring your ID, dancing shoes — and your appetite!

Entertainment Schedule:

🍺 Friday, May 2 (5-10 p.m.)

🎶 Wasted Wine 6-9 p.m.

🍺 Saturday, May 3 (11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.):

🎶 Foothills Oompah Band (12:30-3:30 p.m.)

🎶 Mazury Folk Dance Ensemble (4-4:30 p.m. & 5:30-6 p.m.)

🍺 Sunday, May 4 (11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.)

🎶 Wasted Wine 2-5 p.m.

🌭 Fireforge’s festy food and beverage menu will include house-brewed “Polka Party” Lager and “Cendrowski” Grodziskie Wheat Ale; pork kielbasa from Asheville’s Chop Shop Butchery made with Fireforge beer and served on a bun with sauerkraut and horseradish beer mustard; potato and cheese pierogies from Polish American sister-owned Jaju Pierogi served with housemade sour cream, caramelized onions and chives; kabanos snacking sausage from Upstate Polish Market, house-made borscht (chilled beet soup) as well as other Polish cuisine-inspired sides and sweets!

Saturday, May 10, 2025
Mother’s Day Sale at Garden Party
May 10 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Garden Party

Join us on Saturday, May 10th, from 1-5 pm for a multi-artist pop-up and shopping event, just in time for Mother’s Day! Garden Party, Ross Pottery, and Melissa Weiss Pottery will host Knook Ceramics, Maggie Boyd Ceramics, Kreh Mellick, Good Goodies, Of June, Crocodile Wine, and Camille Cogswell Baked Goods at Garden Party’s shop in West Asheville. Don’t miss this incredible gathering of artists and shops as we celebrate springtime and all the mothers in our lives!

Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mother’s Day Brunch at Golden Hour
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Radical

Golden Hour invites moms and their families to join them for a special feel-good brunch. Bring the whole crew and make some golden memories with Mom.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Kanuga
May 11 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Kanuga

Celebrate Mother’s Day with this special brunch event! Join us for a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. Treat your mom to a day she won’t forget with a variety of dishes to choose from. Show your appreciation for all that she does with a lovely meal in a charming setting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make her day extra special!

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar host “In the Company of Writers”
May 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

The North Carolina Writers Network & The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present ANNE GREEN and NICOLE FARMER as next in their series “In the Company of Writers.”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic are available at the door.
Anne Waters Green, who now lives in Savannah, Georgia, was a resident of Hendersonville from 2005 to 2021.

Slice Standup Comedy Contest
May 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Pulp Lounge

The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Spring Standup Contest Series: ROUND 2

Thursday May 14, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)

These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do 3-1/2 minutes of comedy. Audience votes for their favorites of the night thru ballot voting. Comics are separated in 3 groups of 7 contestants. This show’s 3 top comics from each category will be paid and be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.

Comics on the show:
Aiden Lamb, Andy Frampton,
Art Sturtevant, Austin Elfers,
Becca Steinhoff, Ben Jennings,
Clay Jones, Cloud Hudson,
Evelyn Pekarek,
Foster, Issac Truman, James Burks,
Jason Reel, Jordan Ballard, Julia Macias,
Justin Blackburn, Makenzie Manent,
Roman Fraden, Sam Arrowood, Sully

Sunday, May 18, 2025
Intro to Pâté Class
May 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

A hands-on workshop celebrating the art of pâté-making—craft classic styles with Butcher Todd Graham, learn about sustainable pork and poultry from our farmers, enjoy charcuterie and drinks during class & take home your own pâté.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
May 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

Everyone is welcome to share a few poems (3-5 min. each), or just sit back and have a drink for a good cause.

$1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to the Friends of the Black Mountain Library!

Saturday, May 24, 2025
May Birding
May 24 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
  • Explore the Farm and surrounding forest with birder Clifton Avery of Ventures Birding Tours(@bigbaldbirder on IG) to spot the various species of birds that can be found in WNC!

  • Edge habitat birding, learn how planned grazing benefits the local avian population.

  • We will be hiking in uneven and sometimes steep terrain, so please wear sturdy shoes and be dressed for the weather.

  • Learn about our Holistic Land Management from Farm Director Virginia, and how this practice works in tandem with the local flora and fauna.

  • Spotted on the farm by our farm crew, staff & neighbors: bluebirds, a rainbow of finches, downy & hairy woodpeckers, vultures, cardinals, mourning doves, robins, red-shouldered hawks, swifts, egrets, blue herons, hermit thrush, golden-winged warblers and this last year we’ve had a resident Bald Eagle!

  • The end of May marks the tail end of spring migration and is when breeding is in full swing. We hope to find a few late season passage migrants as well as many nesting birds. A few of the many species we can expect to observe include indigo bunting, blue grosbeak, black-throated green warbler, scarlet tanager, and northern parula.

  • Attendees will break for an included biscuit brunch* from butcher Brian’s kitchen, as birding is hungry work. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery, just ask for the Savory Student Discount!

  • Birding courses are part of our Savory Naturalist Series! A portion of the proceeds for these events and classes support our activities as a Savory Hub, and further the reach of regenerative agriculture.

Cost: $30/person, biscuit brunch is included.